I just read a story of a young kid who hung himself because bullies at school would constantly call him GAY and a VIRGIN. He complained to his mom, his teachers etc... but nothing was done and he couldn't take it anymore and killed himself.
As a parent how would you handle this situation if your kid complained of bullies? Do you take it seriously? Do you really think it would or could drive your kid to suicide? Do you find these bullies and bully them back? Tough situation to deal with. As a parent can you fight ever battle for your kid? The reality is that your kid spends more time at school than with you.
No one takes bullying seriously until it gets very ugly or ends in death.
Maintain a good rapport and talk to your child regularly about their social interactions. If your child is being bullied get involved. If it is happening at school inform the school (principal, guidance counselors, teachers) and the school district. Meet with them in person and follow up your meetings with letters/emails that you save and can reproduce later if necessary. If warranted, remind them that inaction by school officials elsewhere has resulted in suicide and/or lawsuits.
In other words you, as the parent, need to “bully” the school. People respond to carrots and sticks. When you make it clear to school officials that you are serious about protecting your child and that you will hold them accountable if things go wrong they will intervene.
Bullying can and does lead to suicide. It can also lead to violent attacks by the victim against his tormentors. As a parent you can prevent this from happening, but you need to be in dialogue with your child and stay involved.
Left unchecked, kids who bully become adults who bully.
